I have a 2 part trip coming up. I am planning to connect the dots between Hot Springs and Sam's Gap, and then push on from Dennis Cove to finally make it into VA!
A friend and I will be doing the hike's together, so we are planing to stage cars to save a little money on shuttles. First off, we are planning to drive into Hot Spring's the night before we begin our hike. I have stayed at Laughing Heart a few times (great place), and a couple of other places in Hot Springs, but it has been a while. I would like to simply pitch a tent (again, to save little money). Not worried about showers or anything. The next morning, we will be leaving one car behind in Hot Springs and then driving the other to Sam's Gap, at which point we will hike back SOBO. A few questions:
1. Any suggestions on camping in Hot Springs near the AT headed NOBO?
2. Suggestions on where to park the car in Hot Springs, closer to where the trail heads north the better so we hit the car sooner when hiking back into HS?
3. How "safe" is the parking at Sam's Gap? I know it's just a pull off under the interstate.
4. How are water sources along the trail between Hot Springs and Sam's Gap currently?
5. Any current bear activities worth noting in this section?
Once we hike back into Hot Springs, we will grab a bite, and then pick up the other vehicle at Sam's Gap, and then head to Damascus for the night. Then, the next morning drive to Bob People's place, and hike NOBO. Some more questions:
6. Suggestions on where to stay in Damascus? At this point, a shower would be welcome... Tenting vs bunk is debatable... shower is preferred!
7. Suggestions on where to park the car (again, the closer to where we will hike back into Damascus the better)?
8. Places to eat dinner and grab a cold beer in Damascus? (perhaps the most important question... lol!)
9. How is the water sources between Dennis Cove and Damascus currently?
10. Any current bear activity in this area? (IIRC, there was some activity last year near Watuga Lake Shelter...)
And as always, any other tidbit's of good-to-know info anyone would like to share for these area's is always welcome!
Thanks in advance!